FROM GARY BRACKETT'S C-9 BLOG...Our community is lucky to have a new, dynamic Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), Jimmy Collins. Mr. Collins wants to connect Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members to Army procurement opportunities.First focus: the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) portal that has been responsible for several of the gains made in quickly equipping Stryker Brigade Combat Teams from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.During every war, Army units are confronted with shortfalls that require immediate action to neutralize an adaptive enemy. These urgent warfighting needs often emerge faster than the institutional acquisition processes can address them.In November 2002, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army created the REF as a unique, singular organization designed to address an Army-wide, systemic deficiency in providing immediate and innovative technology solutions.SEE THE REST HERE

Military supporters can throw a few bucks in the rucks to support local military presonnel.

The DuPont Sub-chapter of JBLM's Capt Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army is collecting money to support two sub-chapter programs - the Single Soldier Project and care packages for deployed troops.

"The money raised does a lot to support the morale of troops returning from war, and those in the warzone this holiday season," said Ken Swarner, president of the DuPont sub chapter.

More details will be available September 6th, but mark October 16th on your calendars as The Ranger & NW Airlifter Newspapers, along with SDC Homes hosts A Salute to the Unsung Heroes: Military Kids.

The day will be packed with free goodies, games, food and prizes for the children of our local military personnel. It's a day to recognize those that have no choice in being part of a military family, and yet sacrifice heavily for this country. They are our brave boys and girls who shoulder the burden and hardship of having a parent or parents deployed multiple times in harms way.

We are proud to announce this event, and we will have greater details and sign-ups beginning September 6th.

Those interested in starting their own small business have a great opportunity to talk to and get tips from several local small business owners at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Small Business Expo Aug. 27 at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 11751 Pacific Hwy Southwest, Lakewood.

The event, which is co-sponsored by The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers, will bring together military spouses, veterans and military affiliated businesses.

There will also be demonstrations by Spanaway Hit (a local kickboxing gym), Black Hills Gymnastics, the Capitol City All Star Cheerleading and Zumba with Leslie.

Leadership from the 62nd Medical Brigade and the 6th Military Police Group (CID) attended a meet and greet event on July 14 and were paired with local businesses and organizations that had adopted Soldiers from their units. The event was hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) DuPont subchapter.

"We want to be more proactive in supporting those in uniform," said subchapter President Ken Swarner. "This is the first step towards doing that and thanks to you all for participating."

In addition to hosting the Adopt-a-Company event, the subchapter also continues to support the local nonprofit group Wear Blue: Run to Remember and coordinate the Single Soldier Project, which provides welcome home gift baskets to redeploying single Servicemembers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The Heroes at Home program continues to roll full steam forward signing up spouses at JBLM for FREE, yes FREE tuition. There is also support programs for those looking for a job. It's all explained HERE.

You'll never now if you are eligible unless you apply - so do that today at the Stone Education Center on JBLM. There are folks there waiting to serve YOU!

Denise Dhane, vice president of the blossoming DuPont AUSA subchapter, recently got 100 pounds of coffee beans direct from Starbucks' corporate offices, and she instantly knew where to head for help with shipping.

"Community 1st Credit Union was ready to do something and was asking for ideas," Dhane said. "So this was the perfect way; those Soldiers need coffee to stay alert and focused on their work, so their adoptive business can deliver it to them."

The credit union, which recently built a large headquarters building in the city of DuPont, agreed to pay the priority shipping on the coffee and literally buy the Soldiers a cup (or a pot) of coffee.